Winter can be hard on a commercial roof. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can turn a small roofing problem into a major leak that is difficult to locate and repair.
The good news is that you can prevent many winter commercial roof leaks. Inspecting your flat or low-slope roof before the snow arrives can uncover damage while it is still relatively easy to repair. Just as important is controlling who has access to your roof and making sure contractors report any damage they may cause.
Roof Damage Isn’t Always Caused by the Weather
Commercial roofs naturally wear out over time, but not all roof damage is caused by age or harsh weather. Foot traffic and contractors working on rooftop equipment can also damage the roofing membrane.
We recently repaired a commercial roof in Newton, MA. An HVAC contractor had punctured the roofing membrane while working on it. Unfortunately, the building owner did not learn about the damage. The puncture went unnoticed until the roof began to leak.
Fortunately, the roof had adequate drainage, and we had a couple of mild days to make the repair before winter weather arrived. We caught the damage before it became a much larger problem.
This is a clear example of why building owners and property managers need to know who is accessing their roof and what work is being performed.
Small EPDM Roof Damage Can Lead to Bigger Problems
This particular building had an EPDM roof, a common roofing system for commercial and flat roofs. Because temperatures were still in the 40s and the roof was clear of snow, we were able to locate the puncture and make a relatively simple repair.
Had the roof been covered with snow, finding and repairing the damaged area would have been much more difficult.
A small puncture can allow water to penetrate the roofing system and potentially damage the insulation and roof deck below. If the leak isn’t detected quickly, water can also make its way into the building and damage ceilings, walls, equipment, or inventory.
That’s why you shouldn’t ignore even minor damage to a commercial roof.
Why Commercial Roof Inspections Are Important Before Winter
A pre-winter roof inspection gives you a chance to spot problems before snow and ice hide them.
Leaks don’t always appear immediately after damage occurs. A puncture or tear could exist for days, weeks, or even months before you notice water inside the building. During that time, moisture may be working its way into the roofing system.
Winter can make the situation worse. Snow buildup can block melting snow from draining properly. If debris, ice, or snow block the drains, water can collect on the roof. That standing water will find the easiest path into the building, including small punctures, open seams, and other damaged areas.
Catching these problems before winter can help prevent emergency roof repairs when conditions are much less favorable.
Limit Traffic on Your Commercial Roof
One of the simplest ways to protect a commercial roof is to limit unnecessary foot traffic.
HVAC technicians, electricians, and other contractors may need access to rooftop equipment, but anyone walking or working on the roof should understand that they can damage the roofing membrane by tools, equipment, and careless foot traffic.
Building owners and property managers should keep track of who accesses the roof and make sure contractors report any accidental damage immediately. If contractors regularly need to reach rooftop equipment, designated walkways or protective pads may also help reduce wear in high-traffic areas.
A quick roof inspection after major rooftop work is also a smart precaution. It’s much easier to repair a small puncture right away than to discover it months later because water is dripping into the building.
Don’t Forget Roof Drains and Drainage
When you’ve got a flat or a low-slope roof, proper drainage isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s an absolute necessity.
Regularly check that your roof drains, gutters, and downspouts are clear of leaves, branches, and all other scraps of debris that can clog them. And before the first winter snows arrive, make sure water has somewhere to go. You don’t want it getting blocked or building up on your roof.
Winter can be a nightmare for flat roofs, with snow and ice causing all sorts of problems. As the temperature starts to rise and the snow begins to melt, you can end up with areas of standing water. And if your roof already has problems and your drainage isn’t working properly, you’ll soon have a serious leak.
Protect Your Flat Roof From Winter’s Wrath
Prevention really is the best medicine when it comes to looking after your commercial flat roof. Get a pro to inspect it before New England’s first big snowfall of the season and deal with any damage or problems they find right away. Clear out any blockages in your drainage systems and try to keep foot traffic on your roof to a minimum.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Give a little attention to your roof before winter and save yourself a world of hassle and expense later on.
If you’re worried about the state of your flat or low-slope roof, then call Robert Evans Jr. Roofing. They can schedule an inspection and help you sort out any repairs you might need.
